At the end of April, at the Trung Binh Border Post, more than 100 fishermen and boat owners from the area participated in a program on IUU fishing prevention and control. The event covered important contents including regulations from the European Commission (E.C.) on combating IUU fishing, the negative impact of the E.C.’s recommendations on Vietnam’s seafood export activities, Directive No.45/CT-TTg of the Prime Minister, issued on December 13, 2017, on urgent measures to address the E.C.'s “yellow card” warning, and the new updates in Decree No.38/2024/ND-CP, issued on April 5, 2024, on administrative sanctions in the fisheries sector.
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Disseminating laws to border people |
In addition to dissemination work, the Soc Trang provincial Border Guard has also conducted patrols to inspect fishing activities in the waters of Soc Trang province. Meanwhile, the unit’s troops have also distributed leaflets and provided instructions on the regulations for managing fishing boats, fishing activities, and protecting marine resources. Especially, fishermen were instructed on the proper procedures for recording and reporting fishing activities and maintaining Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) for boats over 15 meters in length and were encouraged to sign commitments to refrain from illegal fishing.
Besides, the border unit has provided practical gifts such as national flags, portraits of President Ho Chi Minh, first-aid kits, and life jackets to encourage and support fishermen in safely and legally engaging in their work at sea.
Senior Colonel Pham Le Xuan Binh, Commanding Officer of the Soc Trang povincial Border Guard Command, noted that to prepare for the E.C.’s fifth inspection, they will boost patrol and take measures at fishing ports and anchorages. They will strictly prevent boats from going fishing without completing documentation and bringing equipment and safety measures. They will also collaborate with other forces to continue the dissemination work to prevent violations of fishing boats that have a high risk of entering foreign waters.
Reportedly, since the beginning of 2025, the Soc Trang provincial Border Guard Command has detected and addressed three cases involving three fishing boats violating fishing regulations, with fines totaling more than VND 53 million. These efforts have contributed to Vietnam’s goal of removing the “yellow card” for the seafood industry while also protecting marine resources and maintaining security and order in the region.
Currently, Soc Trang province has 344 fishing trawlers over 15 meters in length, all equipped with VMS, contributing significantly to the management and monitoring of fishing activities at sea. The Soc Trang provincial Border Guard Command has emphasized the importance of thoroughly educating all officers to prevent IUU fishing.
The unit has also boosted coordination with the Naval and Coast Guard forces, among others, to share information, control fishing trawlers at sea, and promptly address any IUU fishing activities.
With the efforts of the Soc Trang provincial Border Guard Command, other functional forces, and local authorities, the fight against IUU fishing is progressing well. These positive changes in the awareness and actions of fishermen not only help protect marine resources but also enhance the adherence to laws and contribute to the reputation and economic benefits of Vietnam’s seafood industry on the international market.
Source: Baobienphong
Translated by Chung Anh